Florence "Judy" Phillips

Florence Julia “Judy” Phillips passed away on June 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, commitment to family, and a passion for community involvement.

Judy was born on May 2, 1933, in Davenport, Iowa, to Merrill and Marjorie (Boone) Benfer.  She was raised with her older sister, Virginia Clithero Ott, and younger brother, Lawrence Benfer.  Though named Florence Julia, she was lovingly known to all as “Judy.”

She attended the University of Iowa, where she earned her degree in medical technology.  During her time there, she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority, a community that added to her lifelong friendships and sense of connection.

On New Year’s Eve in 1954, Judy met John L. Phillips on a blind date.  They were married the following year on October 6, 1955, and shared 56 years of marriage until John’s passing in 2012.  Together, they lived in Kansas, Illinois, and Wyoming, building a life that prioritized family, friendships, and service.  Her love for her family was unwavering through her thoughtfulness, practicality, and strong sense of responsibility.

She and John began their married life at Fort Riley, Kansas, during John’s military service.  After his time in the Army, they settled in Peoria, Illinois, where he worked for Caterpillar Tractor Co.  Judy stayed home while her three children (Sharon, Cathy, and Craig) were young, then returned to her profession as a medical technologist until her retirement in 1998.

After retiring, John and Judy moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where they quickly became involved in the local community.  Later in life, Judy relocated to Billings, Montana, to be closer to family.

Her deep love for the Colorado mountains was born during her childhood summers at Cheley Colorado Camps, where she embraced hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding.  Her time there, first as a camper and then as a counselor, shaped her adventurous spirit and forged lifelong friendships.  Her experiences at Cheley remained important to her throughout her life, as well as the deep “hill” connections at the family’s cabin in Estes Park.  The cabin and its mountain view from the front porch was a place of comfort and reflection for many years.

Judy was known for her civic engagement and generous heart.  Over the years, she volunteered in hospital gift shops, led Girl Scout troops, supported local arts and church organizations.  She and John helped launch the L.I.F.E. program at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne.  Judy served on the John Austin Cheley Foundation, providing scholarships for children to attend summer camps.  She was a member of several churches throughout her life, most recently First Presbyterian Church in Billings.

As a 71-year, 2nd generation member, Judy was proud of her affiliation with P.E.O.  Along with both daughters, she treasured the organization and its mission, transferring her membership wherever she moved.  In retirement, she and John found joy spending summers at the cabin, being involved in the Summer Residents Association; and traveling, especially visiting their AFS exchange students in their home countries.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband John; her parents, Merrill and Marjorie; her sister Virginia; her brother Lawrence; and her daughter Sharon.

Judy is survived by Sharon’s husband Kevin Klotz of Thornton, CO; daughter Cathy (Scott) Manhart of Billings, MT; and son Craig (Kathy) Phillips of Grimes, IA.  “Ouma” is also survived by her grandchildren Katarina (Colton) Manhart Arneson, Kenton Manhart, Daniel Klotz, Anne Klotz, Becca (Will) Phillips Van Roekel, Kimberly Phillips, and two great-grandchildren, Brantley and Avalyn Arneson.

Her family is sincerely grateful for the loving care and companionship provided by the St. John’s Wyndstone community and Hospice, Pastor Dave, and her many lifelong friends.  A memorial service will be held in Colorado at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund, John Austin Cheley Foundation, or to a charity of your choice.

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